Monofocal vs. Multifocal Lenses: What’s the Difference?

As we enter our golden years, we look forward to so much – growing families, vacations, and a greater sense of relaxation.  Unfortunately, your golden years may also be a time when you start to experience trouble with your eyesight.

Cataracts and presbyopia are two common eye conditions that can make it difficult for people to enjoy healthy vision.  Presbyopia is farsightedness, which occurs when the lens of the eye becomes rigid; this age-related condition is most common in people ages 40 and older.  Cataracts occur when the lens of the eye become extremely blurred; if left untreated, cataracts can lead to loss of vision and irreversible blindness.

For both conditions, an ophthalmologist can surgically remove the lens of the eye and replace it with an artificial lens, which can address specific vision problems.  However, many patients often need to make a decision as to which lens that they’d prefer: monofocal or multifocal lenses.

Monofocal lenses are standard lenses that deliver superior vision at a single distance.  This type of lens might be ideal for patients who suffer from farsightedness or nearsightedness. What’s more, monofocal lenses are often fully covered by insurance companies, so you may not need to make an out-of-pocket payment.  Multifocal lenses, on the other hand, allow you to enjoy clear vision at a distance or up close to your eyes.  This is a special lens that may not be fully covered by insurance; however, it does give you greater flexibility in terms of your vision.

In order to determine which lens is ideal for you, you and your ophthalmologist will need to carefully consider your lifestyle.  You may need to answer the following questions:

What activities do you do the most?

What activities would you like to enjoy without glasses?

Can you afford to pay for the extra cost of multifocal lenses?

At what distance would you like to see without the use of glasses?

To ensure you’re selecting the right lens for your cataracts or presbyopia, schedule an exam tt the Center for Ophthalmology and Laser Surgery (serving the greater Fort Lauderdale, FL and surrounding Florida areas). Dr. Loeffler can help you determine which lens is right for your lifestyle, so you can enjoy clear and healthy vision. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Loeffler today to learn more about your lens options. Call (954) 786-5353 today.